There is a growing debate over whether young perpetrators who commit grave offences should be sentenced in the same way as adults. From my perspective, despite the severity of their crimes, it will be more humane if young offenders are given a second chance to be rehabilitated rather than punished.
Supporters of young criminals receiving stringent punishment argue that if they are not given equal punishment as adults, it will be more likely for them to become repeat offenders and impose significant threats to society. Therefore, these strict sentences will help remove these hidden dangers entirely. However, it would be extremely harsh for these juveniles to be penalized rigorously. Some children, who are raised in an incomplete family, tend to be isolated and lack emotional maturity, which may shape their negative personalities. Therefore, when they commit violent crimes, they are not aware of their behaviour since they are not instructed or taught properly by parents or other adults. As a result, focusing on rehabilitation will be more beneficial for them.
In addition, children during puberty are easily influenced by their peers to make impulsive decisions without fully considering the consequences. Hence, to address the root causes, they should be educated through the family’s guidance and the government’s reorientation. In that way, they not only have a chance to correct their behaviour but also can reintegrate to community, becoming a positive member of society.
In conclusion, although an equal penalty can be effective to halt the juvenile tendency towards violent criminal acts, it would be more valuable to establish rehabilitation and educational programmes. In the long run, these practices can help young offenders know right from wrong and alter their inner manners for sustainable and safe social development.